City Cast Chicago City Cast

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: Construction in Chicago sucks. This year’s road and highway projects are a major headache, with traffic up over last year and drivers complaining about outrageous commute times. We’re discussing particular pain points around the city with Melody Mercado of Block Club Chicago and Charles Preston with Injustice Watch. Alongside host Jacoby Cochran, the group also discusses ongoing efforts to help arriving asylum-seekers, appealing your property tax bills, and summer plans you need to add to your calendars:

The Black Ensemble Theater’s “The Real Housewives of Motown” opens this weekend!
Imagine Englewood’s Peace Fest: One Love Edition will be Saturday, June 3!
The Hoodosie, Chicago’s block optic and radical news podcast, returns Saturday, June 3!

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Memorial Day is the perfect excuse to take a trip, whether it be for the whole weekend or just the day. That’s why we are revisiting our conversation with Thrillist’s Meredith Heil from last summer breaking down the best spots around the Midwest within driving distance. Plus, we hear some suggestions form City Cast readers.

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Though the legislative session was supposed to end last week, lawmakers are still in Springfield working on a state budget and a few other outstanding issues. One of those lawmakers is Rep. Nabeela Syed, a Democrat from northwest suburban Palatine. At 24 years old, Syed is the youngest Democrat in the state House. She joins host Jacoby Cochran to recap her first session, which has left her surprisingly optimistic about the state’s future.

Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 

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You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

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While the scheduled end of the spring legislative session has come and gone, Illinois lawmakers have until July 1 to approve a district map for Chicago’s new elected school board, which will be on the November 2024 ballot. This process has drawn a lot of criticism from parents and advocates who argue the proposed maps don’t accurately reflect CPS demographics. Lead producer and map enthusiast Simone Alicea joins host Jacoby Cochran to break down the latest coming out of Springfield. Plus, we are listening to some of your “Chicago Icks” and debating which are better: Rooftops or patios? (Take Our Hey Chicago Survey!)

Make sure you check out our Best Alfresco Dining Spots at our Hey Chicago newsletter. Subscribe now for the latest in news and events!

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You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

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Ahead of the summer travel season, the Biden administration announced it would propose new rules requiring compensation for air passengers if they end up stranded, and it’s the airline’s fault. That’s in addition to a push in Congress for a “passengers’ bill of rights.” Given that nearly 8 million people traveled through O’Hare and Midway airports in May alone last year, Scott Keyes the potential new rules should be welcome news for Chicago travelers. Keyes helps people find inexpensive flights through his site Going, and he tells host Jacoby Cochran about passenger compensation, being stranded at O’Hare, and his top tip for finding a cheap flight.

Some news: Check out an open House on street improvements in Englewood tomorrow from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Kennedy King College.

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You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

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Mayor Brandon Johnson was sworn in earlier this week with a memorable inauguration ceremony. Now the 57th mayor of Chicago gets busy on pushing his progressive agenda through a City Council with a lot of new faces. To help break down some of those key campaign promises, we are joined by Alex Nitkin from the Illinois Answers Project and poet and South Side Weekly editor Chima “Naira” Ikoro. Alongside host Jacoby Cochran, the trio also look at the Bears' Arlington Heights move, this week’s National Ride of Silence, and the neighborhood festivals we are excited for! 

Plus, have you seen Naira’s latest TikTok series about her “Chicago Icks?” If not, watch it now and tell us YOUR Chicago "icks” or Chicago red flags. Send a text or voicemail at: 773 780-0246

City Cast Chicago is looking for our next lead producer. Learn more here.

Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 

Follow us @citycastchicago

You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 
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